Classic Tomato Soup

Yield: 4 bowls

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 large can (28 ounces) whole tomatoes, with their liquid
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• ½ cup cooked Great Northern beans or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into a few pieces
• 1 teaspoon coconut sugar or brown sugar, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• For the tomato-basil variation (optional): 10 to 15 fresh basil leaves, to taste

Instructions

1. In a Dutch oven or soup pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and turning translucent, 7 to 10 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
2. Add the tomatoes and vegetable broth and stir to combine. Increase the heat to medium-high, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes, reducing the heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer, and stirring occasionally.
3. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Carefully transfer the mixture to a blender, being sure not to fill past the maximum fill line (blend in batches if necessary). Add the beans, butter, sugar, and several twists of black pepper. Securely fasten the lid and blend the soup until smooth, being careful to avoid hot steam escaping from the lid.
4. Since canned tomatoes vary in flavor, I always end up tinkering with this soup a bit at the end. Taste and, if necessary, add a little more sugar (to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes), pepper, and salt (I usually add another ¼ to ½ teaspoon).
5. If you’re adding basil, add it now. Briefly blend again, and serve hot. This soup keeps well for up to four days or so. You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.

From: https://cookieandkate.com/classic-tomato-soup-recipe/print/33104/

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lbs. total)
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp butter, divided
• 1 whole garlic bulb (about 8-9 garlic cloves)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Using a sharp knife, carefully fillet each chicken breast into two thinner cutlets (or use thin-cut chicken breasts).
2. Season each breast with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Then sprinkle the flour over both sides of the chicken breasts and rub it in until the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil and 1 Tbsp of butter. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and cook on each side until golden brown and cooked through (about 4 minutes per side). Remove the cooked chicken to a clean plate and cover to keep warm.
4. While the chicken is cooking, peel the garlic cloves and then carefully smash them with the side of a large chef's knife by pressing down on the side of the knife with the heel of your hand.
5. Once the chicken is removed, to the same skillet add the remaining 1 Tbsp of butter, then add the garlic cloves. Turn the heat down to medium-low and sauté the garlic for 3 minutes or until lightly browned and fragrant. Make sure to stir the garlic frequently to prevent it from burning.
6. Next pour the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, then add the garlic powder. Stir and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow the sauce to simmer in the skillet for 8-10 minutes, or until it has reduced and thickened by about 50%. Taste the sauce at this point and add salt and pepper if needed (I added about ⅛ tsp of salt and ⅛ tsp of black pepper).
7. Finally, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over top. Allow the chicken to heat through. Serve with fresh chopped parsley (optional), and enjoy!

From: https://www.budgetbytes.com/creamy-garlic-chicken/